as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans
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Recent Examples of breakthrough
Hypersonic Levitation in Cell Isolation A new method of isolating and suspending cells, called hypersonic levitation and spinning (HLS), relies on acoustic resonators and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to yield biology breakthroughs.
—
Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2025
The breakthrough could lead to faster, more energy-efficient electronics and open new paths for quantum technologies.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
To that end, a multi-national team of astronomers led by Kosuke Namekata of Kyoto University in Japan have made a breakthrough by targeting the young sun-like star EK Draconis, which is 112 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Draco, the Dragon.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
This week’s truce buys Xi time to achieve further tech breakthroughs.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2025
The breakthrough could lead to faster, more energy-efficient electronics and open new paths for quantum technologies.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
To that end, a multi-national team of astronomers led by Kosuke Namekata of Kyoto University in Japan have made a breakthrough by targeting the young sun-like star EK Draconis, which is 112 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Draco, the Dragon.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025
This week’s truce buys Xi time to achieve further tech breakthroughs.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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Paying close attention to how each pillow affected their sleep, any improvements in neck pain, restlessness, and temperature regulation, to determine which pillows made the grade as the most luxurious options out there, both in sleep feel and in material makeup.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
31 Oct. 2025
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Officials say the historic building is in need of improvements and upgrades.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The stock has declined about 11% this year, trailing a nearly 17% advance by the S&P 500 Index.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
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The programs in the series were created in a collaboration with performance artists, and resulted in a group of surreal experimental works that pushed the boundaries of sound and narrative well in advance of the digital era.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Achieving quick, consistent self-assembly in solution without evaporation has remained a significant difficulty, despite advancements in block copolymer templating, metal alkoxide chemistry, and nanomaterials.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Oct. 2025
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The designers also wanted to pay homage to the technology that makes an advancement like this possible.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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